Austrian bobsleigh pilot hospitalized following dramatic Winter Olympics crash
An Austrian bobsleigh pilot has been rushed to hospital following a dramatic crash during the Winter Olympics four-man final in Cortina on Saturday, reports BritPanorama.
Jakob Mandlbauer, 27, was navigating the second heat when his sled tipped onto its side, careening uncontrollably around the track. His teammates Daniel Bertschler, Sebastian Mitterer, and Daiyehan Nichols-Bardi attempted to shield themselves by ducking their heads inside the bobsled as it continued its perilous trajectory.
The sled eventually came to rest near the finish line, prompting officials to rush to the scene as spectators in Cortina and television viewers looked on with growing alarm. Bertschler, Mitterer, and Nichols-Bardi managed to exit the bobsled themselves, but Mandlbauer required extended medical attention before being transported to hospital.
According to Austrian outlet Krone, Mandlbauer remains conscious and has shown the ability to move his arms, body, and head. Medical staff are currently evaluating him for potential neck pain. His three teammates received additional treatment at the venue following the incident, while the crash left significant damage to the track surface.
Meanwhile, Olympics volunteers were photographed working to repair the visible marks on the course before competition could resume. Once Mandlbauer was safely removed and the track cleared, racing continued at the Cortina venue. Former British competitor John Jackson, speaking on the BBC following the incident, expressed a sentiment echoed throughout the sport, highlighting the universal desire for safety among athletes. His comments reflected the anxiety felt by those watching as medical personnel tended to Mandlbauer for an extended period.
On the same day, the French team encountered a crash during the bobsleigh event, although all four members escaped unharmed. Team GB is also competing, led by pilot Brad Hall alongside Greg Cackett, Leon Greenwood, and Taylor Lawrence.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks athletes face in high-speed winter sports, underscoring the ongoing discussion around safety measures in the Olympic competitions.
